BSL moving forward in York County, SC

The York County, South Carolina council approved the first reading of an amended animal control ordinance at last night’s meeting. I have confirmed with the city manager that the amended ordinance does have provisions specific to “bully breed” dogs.

The council will schedule a workshop soon to finalize the proposed language (possibly at their first scheduled meeting in September). A second reading of the ordinance and a public hearing are tentatively scheduled for the second regular meeting in September on Monday, September 17th.

Please continue to send your polite, respectful and informative opposition to breed specific legislation to the York County officials. Please also provide the council with viable alternatives, suggestions, and if you are a resident of York County, offer your assistance to work with the county in developing an ordinance that benefits all members of the community – humans and animals alike.

If approved, this ordinance will go before every municipality in York County for vote and adoption. Please keep in mind how very important it is that all your interactions with officials be professional. Many in York County are counting on us to assist and provide information to allow the council to see that breed specific legislation is ineffective and does not enhance community safety, and the council will tune us out if we are argumentative and unprofessional.